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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Snuggle Bunny Pillows

I think I still have every hand made gift and seasonal decoration my daughters created when they were young. My most memorable is the curious little potholder that my own mother helped three year old Mary Jo weave for me. This charming, unevenly matched riot of color still hangs from a kitchen cupboard knob - one of the first treasures I'd grab if I ever had to flee my burning house.

And the tradition continues. Now it's my turn to plot with the grandkids on secret gifts for mommies and daddies. It's the most fun when those are seasonal decorations, destined to reappear annually, turning homes into personal history growth charts and showcases of warm childhood memories.

This year we made Easter pillows. The kids learned that anything can be successfully drawn if it is broken down into basic shapes. Bunnies? Nothing more than round and oval forms in varying sizes!

Our pillows began on 16" squares of muslin. Acrylic paints were used.

Once the artists were satisfied with the painted bodies, we gave our bunnies nice beds of grass to nestle in - hand printed ones for a personal touch!

Then the kids made fluffy yarn pom pom tails before turning everything over to grandma for completion.

I backed each square with batting and backing and hand quilted an all over pattern on each body, outlining facial features as well. The bodies were cut out, placed right sides together with a backing piece, sewn together, turned, stuffed, and hand closed along bottom edge. I attached the tails and popped a coordinating bow around each neck. All that's left is for the kids to sign and date their work and wait patiently for Easter Sunday's presentation ceremony!

I think their mommies are going to be very "hoppy" with their Snuggle Bunny Pillows!

20 comments:

Oh, Joyce, once again, you have made my grandmama heart so happy. This project is fun on so many levels: they learn about shapes and drawing; the wonderful pleasure of making something special for someone else; the priceless tradition of conspiring together to surprise mom with something special. Can't wait to hear about Mom's reaction. ♥

Oh my gosh, these are so sweet. I love this idea, they can paint and learn some sewing at the same time. I keep so much of what my kids have made and it's very important to me to save these things. Thank you for yet another wonderful kids' craft idea.

I would be very Hoppy to have a bunny like that! You have once again outdone yourself. I hope your daughters are saving all of these ideas for when they become Grandmas -- as you are sure leaving big shoes for them to fill! But you will just probably hang around and become the world's most amazing great grandma! How awesome will that be?!

What great memories you are creating. I just love your story with your mom and daughter and now passing it on. Your grandkids are going to love it. Thank you for sharing it on our Four Seasons Blog Hop. Pinning now!!

What a fantastic project! I absolutely love the hand painted bunnies and the handprint/painted grass! You are so creative! I haven't seen the sparrows at the birdhouse since I posted my pictures, so the bluebirds still might have a chance! haha

I love this idea, and how proud the kids must have been when they saw their finished bunnies! I still have a bunny painting my daughter made years ago, proudly displayed in my room. It's all the little imperfections that make it so wonderful!